Vol. IV No. 2 The Official Publication of MCU and MCU ... · Vol. IV No. 2 The Official Publication of MCU and MCU-FDTMF April – December 2009 Employees lauded continued p. 11

Vol. IV No. 2 The Official Publication of MCU and MCU-FDTMF April – December 2009

Employees lauded

continued p. 11

Marketing gets boost

Antonio May, Jr. (right) is acknowledged by Dr. Malabanan

continued p. 2

“Ang common denominatornilang awardees ay ang kanilangmalasakit para sa ikauunlad ngMCU. Sila rin ay maparaan atmasinop sa pagamit ng MCU re-sources. Sa unit awardees naman,sila ay may tunay na pagmamahalsa kanilang mga students at genu-ine concern para sa kanilangkapakanan,”

(The common denominator ofthe awardees is their true concernfor the improvement of MCU. Theyare also resourceful and prudent inthe use of MCU equipment and fa-cilities. The unit awardees on theirpart truly love their students andhave genuine concern for their ben-efit.), Dr. Aristotle T. Malabanansaid regarding The President’sAward of Recognition recipients af-ter the University Employees’Christmas Party last December 21.

In a memorandum from Presi-dent Malabanan last December 15,he announced The President’sAward of Recognition for Outstand-ing Performance and Contribution.The award acknowledges the collec-

tive and individual feats andcontributions to theUniversity’s objectives bothmeasurable and motivational.

“Since my appointment(as president last January 1,2009), I have observed andwas witness to those who haveheeded my call for support tohurdle today’s challenges andturn the University around forthe better,” Dr. Malabanansaid.

The basis for the unit andindividual awards are thosewho have significantly con-tributed in the pursuit of theUniversity’s five priority pro-grams that are recruitment, re-search, faculty development,curriculum development andboard performance.

Equally important aretheir contributions to the Universityor their College and department’soverall motivation, unity and pro-ductivity, their resourcefulness andsincere concern for the institution.

The Dr. Lydia L. Taganguin,

Strategies were mapped out during the workshop

Vice President for Academic Affairs,Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco Jr., VicePresident for Administrative Affairs,Ms. Mila Perez, Finance Director,and Ms. Amie Hidalgo, Human Re-sources Director form the recom-

mendations committee.After the Christmas Party, the

awardees approached the Universitypresident one after the other to ex-

A three-month review that fo-cused on the University andFDTMF’s marketing efforts and re-quirements have yielded significantresults.

“After the Marketing Work-shop, there was a renewed and con-scious effort to meet our marketingobjectives. There was the immedi-ate production of marketing commu-nication tools of the various Col-leges and departments and peopleconcerned have pursued their re-spective strategies. It is truly encour-aging,” Dr. Aristotle T. Malabanansaid.

“More and more people in theMCU community have responded tomy call that started in the AnnualPlanning session last July 2006 thatmarketing, particularly recruitmentis everyone’s concern. That no onegroup can pursue this objective,” thePresident said.

The president said that every-one must effect change to adapt tothe times. “We cannot wait forsomebody to do the job for us – assome of you have done before. Allof us have our specific tasks and

Manila Central Universitybegan as a private review classfor pharmacy board examinationaspirants in 1904. Today as itcelebrates its 105th anniversary,MCU has become a pillar inhealth science education in thecountry.

MCU sees its 105th year asan opportunity to undergo orga-nizational review to set its sighton the coming years and be-yond. Specific programs wereestablished and implemented inresearch and development, fac-ulty development, enrolment,curriculum review, and a highranking and firm board perfor-mance for its colleges, amongothers.

MCU on its 105MCU on its 105MCU on its 105MCU on its 105MCU on its 105ththththth y y y y yearearearearearMCU is committed to do its

share in improving the lives ofindividuals. The University con-stantly raises its standards andimproves its facilities to enableits graduates to meet the chal-lenges and opportunities here inthe Philippines and around theworld.

We train students to developthe means to build the future theydream of. The knowledge andideals that we plant in our stu-dents will provide them the skillsand confidence they need toachieve.

This we proudly declarewith the MCU graduates’ trackrecord of success and excel-lence.

Marketing gets boost....................... continued from p.1

functions but marketing, in thiscase recruitment, is everyone’sconcern,” Dr. Malabanan said. “Isaid this before and I reiterate ittoday.”

Dr. Malabanan’s blueprintbegan in July 2009 when he an-nounced his directive, “We wishto announce the formation of a

Marketing Committee that istasked to develop, enhance andimplement marketing programs forthe University, Hospital and Col-lege of Medicine to enable eachunit to achieve and sustaingrowth.”

The specific objectivesof the Committee are to en-

February 25 to 28, 2009 College of Arts and SciencesFoundation Celebration

February 27 College of Dentistry Foundation DayMarch 6 Graduate School Foundation DayMarch 25 Investiture of Dr. Aristotle T.

Malabanan as 4th President of MCUJune 11 105th Anniversary Celebration

Formal Opening / MCU Fun RunJuly 28 Miss MCU Beauty PageantAugust 13 to14 College of Optometry Foundation

CelebrationSeptember 10 to12 College of Computer Studies

Foundation CelebrationSeptember 16 to17 College of Medical Technology

Foundation CelebrationOctober 14 College of Nursing and Midwifery

Foundation DayOctober 29 to 30 High and Grade School Foundation

CelebrationNovember 4 Filemon D. Tanchoco Learning

Resource Center Ground BreakingCeremony / MCU InvitationalBasketball Tournament Opening

November 16 to 17 College of Business AdministrationFoundation Celebration

December 2 Culminating Activities of the MCU105th Anniversary Celebration

Opening of Revelry 2009 SchoolFair / Medical Mission andCommunity Outreach

December 3 43rd Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr.Memorial Lecture University

Student Research ContestDecember 4 Opening of the MCU Olympics 2009December 6 MCU Alumni HomecomingDecember 8 College of Physical Therapy

Foundation DayDecember 12 College of Pharmacy Foundation DayDecember 18 MCU FDTMF Christmas PartyDecember 21 University Christmas Party

MCU 105MCU 105MCU 105MCU 105MCU 105ththththth Anniv Anniv Anniv Anniv Annivererererersary Celesary Celesary Celesary Celesary Celebrbrbrbrbraaaaationtiontiontiontion

2009 Highlights2009 Highlights2009 Highlights2009 Highlights2009 Highlights

2 April – December 2009

hance and strengthen ongoingprograms and activi t ies, de-velop and implement new pro-grams, and develop and imple-ment a monitoring system thatseeks to enforce implementa-tion, improve ongoing activi-ties and report programs forevaluation.

The review was capped by adaylong workshop last October 9.During the workshop the variousunits and individual inputs wereconsolidated, the existing andproposed programs for enhance-ment and implementation werechosen, and action plans weremapped out.

April – December 2009 3

March 25, 2009

When I first got word that the MCU Board will formally appoint me asthe fourth president of the University sometime in 2008, I was filled with mixedemotions. I personally felt that of the 13 grandchildren of Atty. Filemon andPurificacion Tanchoco I consider myself the least likely to be working in thisUniversity considering how I hated going to school during my younger years.

The first President of Manila CentralUniversity, Atty. Filemon Dionisio Tanchoco’sachievements and triumphs in the course of his life as a pharmacist, lawyer and as aneducator imbued in him a deep and unshakeable faith in the capability of the Filipino toexcel in his chosen field of endeavor.

Perhaps drawing a parallelism from his own struggles in life, he decided to levelthe playing field and dedicate his life to education. The character of the University wasshaped in the Tanchoco home – discipline, integrity, humility and love of country.

I grew up in a home steeped in discipline and integrity. I neverrealized until lately that at a young age we were already being taughtsome fundamental principles of economics – never buy or acquire thingsyou do not need. We were taught to follow rules inside the house andin public. If we decide to do otherwise then we will have to face theconsequences of our defiance.

We were taught to “fight our own battles. If you get into asituation, you should know how to get out of it.” We were alwayswarned to act and speak with decorum and never smear the name ofthe family. Discern complicated choices by applying the golden rule.

Belonging to a family who chose a mission in education, Isailed through my elementary years with relative ease but it wasthe opposite when I got to high school.

My environment during my growing years was rich withpositive values that I observed being practiced by my eldersfrom both sides. I was lucky to have grown up in a nurturingfamily. Most of the qualities I possess and the personalprinciples that emerged from those experiences came frommy genes and from my interaction with colleagues, co-workers, former bosses and even adversarial acquaintances.

My classmates, from high school to my postgraduateyears can attest to this, I do not talk much simply because Iprefer to listen more than speak.

Over the years I learned that in hiring people,trustworthiness and potential is better than competence.Honesty, knowing what they are capable of and theireagerness and commitment in achieving something, is betterthan what they have done or accomplished.

Excerpts from the Inaugural AddressExcerpts from the Inaugural AddressExcerpts from the Inaugural AddressExcerpts from the Inaugural AddressExcerpts from the Inaugural Addressof Drof Drof Drof Drof Dr. Aristotle T. Aristotle T. Aristotle T. Aristotle T. Aristotle T. Malabanan. Malabanan. Malabanan. Malabanan. Malabanan

4th President of Manila Central University

Turn to p. 4


I always remind myself that I should serve the institutionand not the interest of a particular person. Therefore, I shouldmake decisions on the basis of what is good for the organizationand all its stakeholders.

I also learned that people would respect you more if youadmit your mistakes and shortcomings and be accountable foryour actions. Great leaders accomplish things throughcollaboration rather than imposition. I always keep in mindthat God created everyone for a purpose and we should valueeach one’s presence. Most importantly, what and who I amtoday serves as a reference point to measure my growth as aperson and not a gap to quantify how superior I am from others.

Where have these lessons brought me and what is theirrelation to this occasion? It made me think deeply about themagnitude of my responsibilities as a President and how theselessons will serve as my guiding principles. The implicationsof my actions will have far reaching consequences that willpermeate beyond the confines of this campus through thethousands of graduates we will produce and their potentialeither to alleviate theproblems of our country.

Develop studentsnot only to know but alsomore importantlyunderstand and discerntheir courses of actionand assume a moresynergistic rather thanadversarial path whenconfronted by divergentframes of thought. Wehave to ensure that indetermining the cost of education it should not be access versusquality but should strike a balance between the two.Correspondingly, we also have to educate and shift the mindsetof our stakeholders especially the parents and our students,that quality education is expensive therefore it should beconsidered as an investment rather than an expense.

It is the abundance of intellect within the organizationthat really poses a challenge to a leader of an educationalinstitution. Creating that synergy amidst conflict. Anchoringeverything that we do with the mission of the institution. Thisis not an easy task but nevertheless interestingly challenging.

From my grandparents, I learned that the noble purposefor which they invested their time and hard earned money ineducation was to give their countrymen the power of self-determination so that ignorance will not be allowed to becomean instrument for oppression. By God’s grace I intend tocontinue that mission.

Excerpts from the Inaugural ..................................... continued from p.3

Amidst the call for globalization, rather than lookingbeyond our shores we have our country, our people to takecare of. There is much to do here. We have to keep our talentshere. Despite the declarations to the contrary, we cannot andwill not be able to move forward with a dysfunctional andfragmented country.

Now more than ever, public and private institutionsshould seek and reconcile a common purpose, create acommon, encompassing and cohesive roadmap, identifypriorities and formulate a practical and a realistic plan ofexecuting key programs that will impel our growth. Education,as always, will play a big role in addressing this critical challengeof our society.

In summary I would like to state my intentions asPresident of Manila Central University.

I believe in the great potential of the Manila CentralUniversity and the MCU –Filemon D. Tanchoco MedicalFoundation. Both have good track records of success and haveunique competencies. I intend to create a synergy between these

two organizations thatwould complement theirstrengths.

Our programs beingmostly science and health-related, will be used toreinforce each other in thearea of faculty andcurriculum development aswell as collaborativeresearch. In essence, we willexamine how to fortify ourcommon strengths as well

as explore how our diversities and differences can complementand spur growth and development as a responsible and relevantinstitution of learning.

We will invest in learning resources. As evidence, youmust have noticed our plan to build the FDT LearningResource Center that will house our library collection, multi-media resources, auditoriums and halls for major universityfunctions.

We have to connect with our students. We havestar ted programs to support student development,specifically in the arts and sports. We value our communityand will re-establish our strength in community extensionprograms. Similarly, we will intensify our linkages withexternal institutions.

Ultimately, we will continue to develop our ability tocalibrate our programs to address the significant concerns andexplore the potential of the communities that we serve.


MCU CampusJune 11, 2009

Baccalaureate MassBaccalaureate MassBaccalaureate MassBaccalaureate MassBaccalaureate MassAprilAprilAprilAprilApril

CommencementCommencementCommencementCommencementCommencementExercises • AprilExercises • AprilExercises • AprilExercises • AprilExercises • April


Miss MCU Andrea Sumaya ofOptometry (middle) flanked byMiss Purple Andrea MarieBernales of Medicine (left) andMiss Gold Lycca Mai Caguia ofPharmacy

Centennial GymJuly 28, 2009


Groundbreaking CeremonyNovember 4, 2009


Team MCU romped off with3rd place in a strong field ofCaloocan City High School bas-ketball teams in the 1st MCU HighSchool Invitational BasketballTournament held at the CentennialGym last November 4 up to De-cember 5.

The home team had the small-est players size-wise but teamworkand spirit overcame overwhelmingodds. In their two losses, thegames were decided only in thelast minutes of the game withMCU losing because of inexperi-ence. The MCU boys’ never-say-die spirit made the MCU commu-nity proud.

The 6-team tournament washeld every Saturday after the open-ing day with the final games coin-ciding with the culminating eventsof the 105th University foundationcelebration. The participatingteams were Caloocan HighSchool, Notre Dame of GreaterManila, St. Mary’s Academy ofCaloocan, Systems Plus ComputerCollege, City, World Citi College,and host MCU.

High School boys make MCU proud

Dr. Malabanan tosses the ceremonial jump ball as Dr. RenatoTanchoco Jr. looks on

The MCU High School basketball team

Caloocan High won the ini-tial staging of the event whileNotre Dame placed second. MCUforward John Clewin Magdirilawas selected as a member of thetournament’s Mythical 5 for hisconsistent performance.

“MCU seeks to develop, en-hance and maintain discipline, fit-ness and the competitive spirit ofstudents through sports,” Dr.Aristotle T. Malabanan said. “Byway of the invitational tourna-ment, we also encourage camara-derie and cooperation among thosein our community.”

“The MCU High School In-vitational Basketball Tournamentpromotes sports and school loyaltyamong our students and contrib-utes to the community relationsefforts of the University,” Dr.Lydia Taganguin said.

The invitational was a projectof the University Student Councilwith the guidance and support ofDr. Taganguin, Vice President forAcademic Affairs, Mrs. LourdesCruzat, Dean of Student Affairs,Mr. Alex Rodriguez, Head of theDiscipline, Safety, and SecurityDepartment, Ms. Elena Ore,Physical Education Coordinator,and Ms. Remedios Batac, Princi-pal of High and Grade School.

Merrill Ken Bautista (13)displayed tenacious defense


Patrick Cantonjos (with ball)out rebounded talleropponents

Team MCU was outsizedbut not out hustled

Team captainFerdinand Parong(dribbling) leading

a fastbreak

John Patrick Almario (with ball) outsmarts a defender

Raymart Tancasis(with ball) runs a play

1st MCUHigh SchoolInvitationalBasketball

Tournament


Dr. Malabananshares a lightmoment withTeam MCU

Dr. Lydia Taganguin(middle) with the Mythical5. John Clewin Magdirila ofMCU (2nd from right) wasamong the tournament’sbest players

Dr. Malabanan awards thechampionship trophy toCaloocan High School

Elimination RoundMCU 76 – St. Mary’s 49MCU 87 – Systems Plus 77MCU 56 – Caloocan High 61MCU 77 – WCC 73MCU 58 – Notre Dame 71

Battle for 3rd PlaceMCU 79 – WCC 71

MCU High School Basketball TeamFerdinand Parong, 4-Patriotism

Team CaptainJohn Clewin Magdirila, 4-Love

Co-CaptainJustin Barcelo, 4-PrudencePatrick Cantonjos, 4-PrudenceSherwin Rei Dumanlang, 4-PatriotismEarl Brian Pagulayan, 4-LoveArnold Jan Roca, 4-PrudenceMarnel Jairo Torres, 4-LoveAdrian Versoza, 4-PatriotismJohn Patrick Almario, 3-ModestyMerrill Ken Bautista, 3-HumilityKier Ivann Frias, 3-HumilityRaymart Tancasis, 3-HumilityShaun David, 2-EnduranceJohn Drachir Mauricio, 2-Faith

AlternatesDan Allen Cabanayan, 4-LoveJohn Wally Rivera, 4-PatriotismAlex Taan Tan, 2-Sincerity

Team OfficialsMaichel B. Magtangob, Sports

Coordinator – Team ManagerHazel Marie V. Fajarda, 4-Patriotism

Asst. Team ManagerEdison M. Advincula, P.E. Teacher

CoachIra Daniel B. Maniquis,

Communication Director – CoachNoel E. Salinda, Grade 5 Teacher

Coach

MCU Games Results


Employees Lauded .......................... continued from p.1

press their appreciation for the recognition of their efforts.Dr. Malabanan simply said,

“Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Kami (sa Ad-ministration) ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo,” (Do notthank me. We in the Administration should thank you foryour support and efforts.).

The 2009 President’s Award of Recognition recipients:Individual Awardees

1. Mrs. Lourdes F. CruzatDean, Office of Student Affairs

2. Dr. Jaime F. Mandapat, Jr.,Clinical Supervisor, College of Dentistry

3. Mr. Antonio D. May, Jr., Department of Engineering,Maintenance and General Services

4. Mr. Jesselu C. MisaUniversity Registrar

5. Mr. Alex V. Rodriguez, Discipline OfficerUnit Awardees

1. College of Optometry• Dr. Francisco B. Baetiong, Jr., Dean• Dr. Elmo B. Ado, Jr.• Dr. Rachel D. Balan• Dr. Alejandro Caiña• Dr. Katherine M. de Mesa• Dr. Caroline L. Ferrer• Dr. Christine S. Rodriguez• Dr. Lynn M. Villamejor

2. College of Pharmacy• Ms. Maricon Y. Boie, Dean• Mr. Manuel Balmas• Ms. Karina Marie S. Batu• Dr. Ronnie Cruz• Ms. Nimfa Gambalan• Ms. Crystal Jmee Hernandez• Ms. Susana Magsino• Ms. Christine Marie Terrado• Ms. Crislee M. Torio

Individual Awardees

College of Optometry

College of Pharmacy

Mr. Alex Rodriguez (standing) wasappointed by the MCU Board ofTrustees as Head of the Departmentof Discipline, Safety and Securityeffective January 4, 2010. Thedepartment seeks to administer andpursue the security and safetyobjectives in the campus in order toassure a proper atmosphere foreducation.


Culminating Events • December 2, 2009


Atty. Richard Ferrer (right) with Dr.Malabanan

On this occasion, it is appro-priate to salute your founderFilemon Tanchoco - a lawyer, edu-cator and philanthropist. I hope thatmy talk will do justice to his illus-trious name.

My memory of mcu goes backto my youth travelling fromDagupan to Manila to spend sum-mer vacation with relatives. Fromthe window of the Pantranco bus,MCU was an imposing buildinglandmark to tell you that you havefinally arrived in Manila. The tripused to take five hours fromDagupan. This area wasn’t crowdedthen, and, apart from the Bonifaciomonument, MCU was the only im-posing landmark here.

IntroductionLet me explain my choice of

topic, “Leading Change, BuildingUnity.” The topic ought to relateto the theme, naturally. And so iasked myself, as i ask you now,how is unity built in any organi-zation? The question that comes tomind is - unity behind what? I sug-gest that what build unity is ashared goal and renewal or trans-formation is one fundamental goalthat will build unity. “LeadingChange” (not managing change asis more popularly known) is thekey to building unity.

In his book “Leading Change”,John Kotter wrote, “When an orga-nization is in a crisis, the first changeproject is often the save-the-ship orturnaround effort. For six to twenty-four months, people take decisiveactions to stop negative cash flowand keep the organization alive. Thesecond change project might be as-sociated with a new strategy orreengineering. That could be fol-lowed by major structural and cul-tural change. Each of these effortsgoes through a change sequence,and each step in the change process

43rd Filemon D. TanchocoMemorial Lecture

December 3, 2009

Excerpts from the lecture of Atty. Richard N. Ferrer

Leading change, building unityplays a role in the transformation.”The Makati Med story will illustratethe first and the second is what maybe relevant to MCU.

Definition of termsLeadership is the engine that

drives change. Leadership istrinitarian. It is made up of threeequally necesssary elements – lead-ers, followers and goal. The leaderis one who mobilizes others towardsa goal shared by leader and follow-ers. The goal is the reason for theother two’s existence. It is also theequalizer between leaders and fol-lowers. The goals must be shared,no matter how many other motivesare present and not shared. It is thegoal that, in the first place, sets thetype of leadership.

I was privileged to have at-tended a lecture of Jerry Porras, co-author with Jim Collins of the nowclassic management book “Built toLast”. As he ended his lecture, hesaid, “If there’s one takeaway mes-sage from “Built to Last”, it is thatevery organization ought to have abhag – a big, hairy, audacious goal.A bhag is a clear and compellinggoal. A true bhag serves as a unify-ing focal point of effort – often cre-ating immense team spirit. It has aclear finish line, so the organizationcan know when it has achieved thegoal; people like to shoot for finishlines. Does it stimulate forwardprogress? Does it create momen-tum? Does it get people’s juicesflowing? Do they find it stimulat-ing, exciting, and adventurous? Arethey willing to throw their creativetalents and human energies into it?

The classic example of a bhagis John F. Kennedy’s declaration ofthe moon mission. He proclaimedon May 25, 1961, “That this nationshould commit itself to achievingthe goal, before this decade is out,of landing a man on the moon and

returning him safely toearth.”

Makati Med - astory of renewaland transforma-tion

For Makati Med,the goal was survival.The company was indefault on its Php 1.4billion loan, and thecreditor banks werepoised to foreclose onthe mortgage and take-over the hospital op-erations. It was thechallenge to turn-around the companythat rallied all stakeholders to unite.

Unique features of hospitalsand health care organizations

Let me give you a context tothe governance and managementissues amongst hospitals because,truly, they have unique features.

While industry is mainly aneconomic enterprise with socialovertones, hospitals are perceived tobe social enterprises with economicovertones. The only business ofbusiness, following the definition ofAdam Smith and Milton Friedman,is to earn profits. Lately, strategiccorporate philanthropy is becomingmainstream; but really, it’s inciden-tal, and largely reputation-building.Not so with hospitals, even thosefor-profit, which are expected toconduct their business as if theywere non-stock, non-profit like theRotary Club – caught in the middleso to speak.

The old Makati Medical Cen-ter was run like such a social enter-prise oblivious to the demands offinancial health. In other words,Makati Med was making peoplehealthy unmindful that it was itselfbecoming unhealthy.

But Makati Med has itsstrengths. It is one of the mosttrusted brands in the country. It isrich in tradition, and the legacy ofexcellence in patient care passed onby the founding fathers lives on inthe young generation of doctorswhom they have mentored. In theirtime, the founding fathers were top-of-mind in their respective fields ofspecialization. ConstantinoManahan was synonymous to Ob-stetrics and Gynecology; MarianoAlimurung to Cardiology; the fatherand son J.Y. and Raul Fores to Sur-gery; Romeo Gustilo to Orthope-dics; Manuel Fernandez to Derma-tology; and Carlos Sevilla to EENT.Buttressed on this legacy of excel-lence, the brand has remainedMakati Med’s most valuable asset.

During 2002 and 2003, thecompany experienced losses, andreduced cash flows affected its abil-ity to service maturing obligationson time.

Makati Med’s awakening cameabout in 2005 as it faced strong com-petition, occupancy rates on thedowntrend, continuing financiallosses, delayed payroll and staffmorale at its lowest point; trade


payables delayed and deliveriesthreatened to be put on CBD (cashbefore delivery) basis; servicing ofloan principal suspended and credi-tor banks threatening mortgage fore-closure. The company turned to pro-fessionals to institutionalize an ef-fective governance and managementsystem. Manny Pangilinan waselected independent director andchairman of the board in July 2005.I was elected director and presidentand CEO in August 2006.

The value of governance andmanagement

Much of the problems we facedwere rooted in failure, if not ab-sence, of governance and manage-ment.

Amongst professionals, doc-tors were, perhaps, the first to rec-ognize the value of specializationand to have perfected it, nearly atleast. Yet, while they have exem-plified it in their clinic practice,they had failed to recognize theirlimitations, dabbling in governanceand management for which theyhave little, if no, preparation. Ontop of that, they did not recognizethe inherent conflicts-of-interestbetween their clinic practice andtheir governance and administra-tive functions. In a hospital run bydoctors, the medical/clinic practiceis maintained at a high level, butcorporate governance and manage-ment were reduced to adhocracy,relegated to the sidelines, and be-coming incidental. Board director-ships, as well as, line positionsbrought power and prestige to doc-tors occupying these lofty posi-tions, but there was lack of focuson the strategic and operating im-peratives that the job entailed. Theirindividual practices thrived, but thecorporate suffered.

What did we do to turn thingsaround?

We communicated clear mes-sages to all stakeholders.

To the board: no more of therubber stamp, country club kind ofsocials and fellowship meetings,only serious business. To stockhold-ers majority of them doctors: getinvolved and be counted. To em-ployees: bear with us and we shallcelebrate together the joys of rebirth.To doctors who wanted the most

advanced equipment and a hand-some hospital: invest your time, tal-ent and money in Makati Med.

To suppliers: you’ll bear noadditional cost; no cuts, no bribes;give us only the lowest and bestprice. To our creditor banks: restruc-ture our loans and we shall pay youback a hundred-fold. To Metro Pa-cific Investment Corporation: in-vest, and together, let’s rebuildMakati Med.

The results: a dynamic andfunctional board; stockholders be-came more involved – the last AGM(annual general membership meet-ing) with 84% turnout; doctors re-turning along with their patients,even investing some more through

our convertible notes issue; employ-ees calling off the strike and sign-ing a new CBA, and everbodyhappy.

2007 operating and financialresults

Following an unprecedentedperformance in 2006, we reportedan even better year for Makati Medin 2007.

In last year’s Stockholders’Meeting shows historical net in-come after tax increasing from theprevious all-time high of 223 mil-lion pesos in 2006 to 268 millionpesos in 2007.

We are back in the black.From a deficit of 361 million pe-sos in 2005, down to 133 millionpesos in 2006, we are now in posi-tive territory of 146 million pesosin consolidated retained earnings.Our nursing school contributed 76million.

Furthermore, this daughterpurchased its parent’s loan of 92million pesos with Citibank savingsat 17% discount.

At the time Mr. Pangilinanfirst joined the company in July2005, we ended that year with adeficit of 454 million pesos. In

2006, we reduced the deficit to 236million pesos. The deficit has beenentirely obliterated as we postedpositive retained earnings of 25million pesos in 2007.

Challenges to MCU in the 21st

centuryLet me now go back to your

theme – unity in overcoming chal-lenges. First, there is a realizationthat MCU faces challenges, and thatis good. Apart from the generic chal-lenges of the 21st century, there mustbe a few challenges unique to MCU.These are for all of you to sort out. Ireckon these challenges are awesomeor you would not have used the wordovercome. And yes, you can over-

come only if you are united. Butunited behind what? I suggest only anew vision for MCU for the 21st cen-tury can be that bond to build up theunity that you must all desire.

Factors affecting MCU:• See features affecting

Makati Med above• Trend towards privatization

(inability of government to provideservice)

• New set of skills demandedby globalizing world

It is not my intention to com-pare MCU with Makati Med. ForMakati Med, it was a matter of sur-vival. That’s not the case for MCU.However, the challenges of renew-ing and the rewards of a successfulrenewal and transformation are justthe same.

Let me go back to Collins andPorras. They concluded: “The keyfinding from our built to last re-search – the fundamental distin-guishing characteristic of the mostenduring and successful companiesis that they preserve a cherished coreideology while simultaneouslystimulating progress and change ineverything that is not part of valuesand enduring core ideology. Con-

trary to popular wisdom, the properfirst response to a changing worldis not to ask, “How shoild wechange?” But rather to ask, “Whatdo we stand for and why do we ex-ist?” This should never change. Andthen feel free to change everythingelse. Visionary companies distin-guish their timeless core values andenduring purpose from their oper-ating practices and business strate-gies. They understand the differencebetween what is truly sacred andwhat is not.”

ConclusionBecoming and renewing, re-

newing and becoming - isn’t thatwhat life is all about? – for the indi-vidual, and for the organization.

About the LecturerAfter graduating from the

Ateneo Law School, Richard N.Ferrer worked as an Associate inthe Rodolfo U. Jimenez Law Officein 1978 to 1980, in Ayala Corpora-tion rising from the ranks as Corpo-rate Counsel to Managing Directorin 1980 to 2001, and in the Officeof the President of the Philippinesas Deputy Executive Secretary from2001 to 2004.

Ferrer also served as Presidentand Chief Executive Officer of thePLDT – Smart Foundation, Inc. in2005 to 2007. From August 2006to August 2008, he was Presidentand Chief Executive Officer ofMedical Doctors, Inc. which ownsand operates Makati Medical Cen-ter, and First Vice President – Of-fice of the Chairman, PLDT andmember of the Board of Trustees,PLDT – Smart Foundation, Inc. Hewas Executive Vice President andChief Operating Officer of St.Luke’s Medical Center Global City,Inc. from September 2008 to May2009.


Much of the problems we facedwere rooted in failure, if not absence,of governance and management.

Medical Mission andCommunity Outreach

December 2, 2009

Imelda C. Banaag Darisse Mae M. dela Cruz

Senior B.S. Accountancystudents hurdled the CertifiedAccounting Technician (CAT)Examination Level 1 that wasgiven by the Institute of Certi-fied Bookkeepers of the UnitedKingdom last September 20 inManila. The institute is the larg-est bookkeeping organization inthe world.

The MCU students who fig-ured prominently in the exami-nation were:

With High DistinctionImelda C. BanaagDarisse Mae M. dela Cruz

Accountancy students shinePhilippine business. Both thepublic and private sectors in thecountry envision CAT to be themost in-demand qualification. Itis the only qualification of itskind that is recognized by pro-fessional institutes locally andglobally.

The courses and program ofthe NIAT are recognized by thefollowing international organiza-

With DistinctionCalixto R. Abat, Jr.Ruby Anne L. ArriesgadoEstrella V. JavierSheila Marie S. QuiñonesVrendel Mar V. Vinasoy

The (CAT) examinationconfirms one’s knowledge in fi-nancial accounting, taxation,business law, organizationalmanagement, information sys-tems and auditing.

The National Institute of Ac-counting Technicians (NIAT) –CAT syllabus has been designedto address the unique needs of

t ions : Ins t i tu te of Cer t i f iedManagement Accountants ofAustralia, Institute of CertifiedBookkeepers of United King-dom, Institute of AccountingTechnicians of Canada, Cana-dian Institute of Certified Book-keepers, Insti tute of Profes-sional Bookkeepers of Canada,and Institute of Certified Book-keepers of Australia.

Cerebral ClashNovember


University StudentsResearch ContestTanchoco Auditorium

December 3, 2009

Crime PreventionSeminarsAugust

Capping, Pinning andCandle Lighting Ceremony

August


MCU Olympics 2009Opening Ceremonies

December 4, 2009



FDTMFChristmas

CelebrationCentennial Gym

December 18, 2009

UnivUnivUnivUnivUnivererererersity Csity Csity Csity Csity Chrhrhrhrhriiiiistmas Pstmas Pstmas Pstmas Pstmas PararararartytytytytyCentennial Gym • December 21, 2009


MCU and the MCU-FDTMFCollege of Medicine turned 105years and 62 years, respectively, inDecember and July 2009. A long andbeautiful track record, indeed. Bothoccasions were celebrated in simplebut very meaningful ways thatbrought to fore the holistic educa-tion our institution offers. The sci-entific programs, the sports activi-ties dubbed as the MCU Olympics,the fellowships and socials werevery well appreciated and attendedby the students, faculty, employees,alumni and friends.

In October, 2009 the MCUMedical Alumni Association andFoundation in America had itsMedical Convention and Reunion atthe Trump International Hotel, LasVegas, Nevada, U.S.A. and throughthe leadership of Dr. RufinoCadano, the President, with the helpof the Chairman of the Board ofMCUMAAFA, Dr. Rogelio Roncaland the overall Chairman of the con-vention, Dr. Nelly Esteban and thesupport of all the other officers andmembers of the Association, thethree day affair was a big success.All the scheduled events, the LuauWelcome Party, the Scientific Ses-sion, the Alumni Night and theGrand Ball and Dinner were all in-teresting, exciting and full of newbeginnings and life-giving experi-ences.

MCU-FDTMF: A tapestry ofMCU-FDTMF: A tapestry ofMCU-FDTMF: A tapestry ofMCU-FDTMF: A tapestry ofMCU-FDTMF: A tapestry of lo lo lo lo lovvvvve and friendshipe and friendshipe and friendshipe and friendshipe and friendshipby Lutgarda C. Quito, M.D., EVP

MCU Medicine Class ‘60

After 25years of ouryearly meetingswith our alumni,we see thingsmore clearlynow. The Loveand Loyalty ofour Graduates tothe College ofMedicine andHospital and theLives of studentsmade better thruthe alumni’sgenerosity arelike the bright

colors in a tapestry. Yes, we hadsome difficulties, disappoint-ments, tears and trials but theseare the dark colors that are nec-essarily parts of life and whichmake the bright colors look

brighter, thus giving the tapestry abeautiful and enticing glow. The 25years of yearly visits with ouralumni turned to be a special andunique Tapestry of Love andFriendship.

Fellowship night

Scientific session

Luau welcome night


This Tapes t ry o fLife is dedicated to allour alumni who dared totravel the less traveledroad for the sake of ourindigent pat ients , de-se rv ing s tuden t s andou t s t and ing facu l ty.May you con t inue tosuppor t the on-go ingprograms of the Collegefor this year 2010 andthe coming yea r s inScholarship and FacultyDevelopment. May GodBless us all!

A Philippine Health Insur-ance Corporation (PhilHealth)benefits update for MCU-FDTMFemployees was held last May 14,2009 at the Ralph Hunter Hall.

The update focused on mem-bership and benefits of Inpatientand Outpatient services that canbe availed. The guest resourcespeakers responded to queriesfrom the participants. Among thecommonly asked questions were:If the employee has two employ-ers, particularly doctors, do theyhave to pay the monthly contribu-tions for both; How does a volun-tary status work; and, Can thosepaying higher premium get ahigher pension?

Representatives fromPhilHealth namely, CecilleMagsakay, Jonathan Lusung,

PhilHealth update conductedby Annaliza M. Dellima, Human Resources Department

A r c e l l iAguilar andDr. CynthiaCamacho pro-vided the up-dates and re-ply to the in-quiries.

It was an-nounced thatP h i l H e a l t hwill have aservice centerin Caloocan.There willthus be less ef-fort for inquir-ies and otherP h i l H e a l t hconcerns.

A PhilHealth resource speaker replies to a query

Grand Ball


The MCU – FDTMF cel-ebrated its 62nd Foundation Anniver-sary last July 14 to 17 with thetheme: “MCU–FDTMF at 62:United in Serving All and ServingWell”.

At 62 years MCU, is not aboutlet-up from its key role as an insti-tution of learning and health careprovision. Instead, the MCU –FDTMF has renewed its commit-ment to continue to serve on, serv-ing all and serving well. Theweeklong celebration was high-lighted by the following activities:

July 14, 2009A Thanksgiving Mass was held

at the Nuestra Señora dePurificacion Chapel at the 6th Floorof the New Hospital Building at12:00 to 1:00 P.M. This was to ac-knowledge, recognize and givethanks to God for preserving theinstitution for 62 long and fruitfulyears. The mass was officiated byFather Cesar Derit and Father LuisZapata.

The Employees’ ServiceAwards was held in the afternoonstarting at 4:00 P.M. at the RalphHunter Hall hosted by Dr.Gedeonino Padilla. The occasiongave recognition to MCU–FDTMFemployees whose length of serviceranged from 5 to 35 years. This yearthere were 92 Service Awardees, 28of whom are academic staff and 64are non-academic staff. The mostawaited part of the program was theawarding of MCU–FDTMF Out-standing Personnel. This year’sOutstanding Personnel 2008 – 2009are as follows:1. Natividad A. Almazan, MD

(Faculty – Clinical Division)2. Elizabeth R. Telado, MD

(Faculty – Basic Division)3. Charmaine L. Nagayo, MD

(Resident Physician Trainee)4. Gloria D. Arcigal

(Support Staff – NSO)5. Anna Liza O. de Lara

(Staff Nurse – NSO)6. Ricky M. Banatao

(Paramedical)The recognition came with a

certificate and cash reward awardedby the president Dr. Aristotle T.

MCU–FDTMF – Serving all and serving wellby Dr. Niña Angelita Gonzalez, Head, Biochemistry Department

Malabananand assistedby Dr.Lutgarda C.Quito, Dr.Divina Y.Beato, Dr.E s t e l aMarie C.Ta n c h o c oand Mrs.PurificacionM .Echiverri.

July 15T h e

O p e n i n gCeremonieswas held at the Tanchoco Audito-rium attended by the Administrationofficials, employees, faculty, stu-dents and guests from the differentcolleges of MCU at 8:00 A.M.. Thekeynote address was delivered byDr. Gemiliano D.L. Aligui, an alum-nus of the MCU–FDTMF and cur-rently the Research Director of theMCU. Dr. Aligui is the epitome ofthe 5-star physician that MCU–FDTMF aims to develop in each stu-dent that it graduates – a healer, edu-cator, administrator, researcher andsocial mobilizer. Another highlightduring the Opening Ceremonies wasthe awarding of the Most Outstand-ing Alumnus Award. This year’sawardee is Dr. Rowena A. Pua, MDof Class 1973, another epitome of a5-star physician. The award wasgiven by Mrs. Luningning T.Estanislao, Dr. Lutgarda C. Quitoand Dr. Henry Falcotelo, this year’spresident of the MCU – MAA.

The Scientific Session was heldat the Tanchoco Auditorium startingat 9:30 A.M. In line with this year’stheme of service, two government in-stitutions actively involved in servicewere invited to share their experi-ences. The first speaker, DirectorMargarita Sampang, National Pro-gram Manager of the DSWD, talkedon the topic: “DSWD: Helping thePoor Improve their Quality of LifeThrough the Pantawid PamilyangPilipino Program (4 Ps)”.

The second speaker, Ms.Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary–Gen- Some of the Service Awardees

Outstanding Alumna Dr. Rowena A. Pua (with plaque)

Scientific Session speaker Dir. Margarita Sampang of DSWD(3rd from left) receives a certificate of appreciation


eral, Philippine National Red Cross,talked on the topic: Philippine Na-tional Red Cross at 62 Years: Al-ways First, Always Ready, Alwaysthere in Helping the FilipinoPeople”. The PNRC is also cel-ebrating its 62 years of fruitful ex-istence just like MCU – FDTMF.

Both speakers elicited a lot ofquestions from the interested andattentive audience.

The 32nd

R e s i d e n tPhysician’s Re-search PaperPresentat ionand 16th Fac-ulty ResearchPaper Readingwas held at1:00 P.M. at theTanchoco Au-ditorium. Sixresearch paperscompeted – 2papers eachfrom the De-

partments of ENT and Pediatrics,and 1 paper each from the Depart-ments of Medicine and Surgery.

The first and second prizesboth went to ENT department whilethe third prize went to the Pediat-rics department.

Dr. Natividad A. Almazan,this year’s Outstanding Personnel(Faculty – Clinical Division) readher research paper entitled:“Benzydamine HCl 0.15% forOropharyngeal Diseases andSurgeries: A Review of ClinicalTrial”

The annual research papercontest aims to develop andstrengthen the research potentialand capability of our students andresident physicians.

To cap the second day of thefoundation celebration, a recogni-tion program was held in the after-noon to honor Top Students, TopFaculty and Top 3 Consultants ofthe Hospital.

July 16A Free Clinic was held at the

Out-Patient Department, MCU-FDTMF Hospital. A total of 136patients were given free consulta-tion and check-up. The breakdownof the patients seen per departmentare as follows: ENT – 6, Medicine– 38, OB – 19, Ophtha – 18, Pedia– 20, and Surgery – 17.

Balik Eskwela, the prelude tothe Alumni Homecoming of thisyear’s Silver Jubilarians, was heldat 2:00 P.M. at the Ralph HunterHall. A luncheon and a short pro-gram were held to reminisce, re-kindle, and strengthen the bond thatties the alumni.

July 17Final day of this year ’s

Foundation Anniversary Celebra-tion was put to a close by hold-ing the Post-Graduate Course andAlumni Homecoming at theUNILAB Bayanihan Center,Mandaluyong City from 8:00A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

It was a well-attended affairwith messages of dedication,commitment, and hope for abrighter future for MCU –FDTMF.

Research Paper Resident Physicians’ Presentation and Faculty Readingwinners with judges, faculty and admin officials

These 1st year Medicine students were among the Top

Students, Faculty, Consultants and Employees recognized

Top Faculty awardees

Balik Eskwela participants

The 2nd MCU-FDTMF Collegeof Medicine Intercollegiate Quizcontest dubbed as “Cerebral Clash”was held last November 26 at theCentennial Gymnasium as part ofthe Medicine Week celebration.

Defending champion Collegeof Arts and Sciences (CAS) with-stood tough opposition to retain theCerebral Clash crown. CAS won byjust a single point over the Collegeof Nursing team in the final round.Nursing took second place whileCollege of Pharmacy won third.

The Medical Student Coun-cil and Committee on Student Af-fairs of the MCU-FDTMF headedby Dr. Lilybeth R. Tanchoco or-ganized the quiz. Students of the

CAS defends CerebralClash crown

College of Medicine served ashosts of the contest. Other collegesand departments that joined thecontest were Medical Technology,Dentistry, Physical Therapy andHigh School.

Each participating team hadfive members consisting of two fac-ulty and three students from any yearlevel. The question format was mul-tiple choices in medical, general in-terest and trivia.

This quiz contest aims to pro-vide a social and intellectual inter-action among the faculty and stu-dents among the different collegesof the MCU and promote the Col-lege of Medicine to the students. byMaria Teresa S. Gonda

In line with the Vision-Missionof the Filemon D. Tanchoco Medi-cal Foundation, the Department ofOphthalmology has organized dif-ferent projects to address the needof the community in providinghealthy eyesight.

It started in 2004 when Dr.Neva Arribas with the assistance ofFr. Boniface Leo Wiitenbrink,O.M.I. from Belleville, Illinois or-ganized a team of eye doctors con-sisting of consultants and graduatetrainees from the department to con-duct free cataract surgery on indi-gent patients at MCU Hospital.

The project was named O.M.I.– Arribas Cataract Mission. Hand-in-hand with the eye surgeons arevolunteer doctors from Our Lady ofGrace clinic that manages the medi-cal aspect of the mission in provid-ing cardio-pulmonary clearance.Since 2004 up to August 2009, therewere 186 patients who benefitedfrom the mission mostly from theCAMANAVA area.

While addressing the problemon cataract, the department sets itsfocus on another looming visualproblem commonly observed thesedays and the condition is diabeticretinopathy. The project started in2008 where patients with diabetesare screened to determine the pres-ence of signs of diabetic retinopa-thy. Screening is done free of chargeby the ophthalmology departmentevery Thursday at the OPD.

The department is in the pro-

Dept. of Ophthalmology:Service to the Community

by Crisostomo T. Malabanan, Jr., M.D.Chairman, MCU-FDTMF Hospital-Department of Ophthalmology

cess of requesting the Administra-tion for acquisition of a fundus cam-era that is a more ideal procedure inscreening retinopathy. As comparedto previous years, the departmentcan now manage retinal cases andhas already one room for examina-tion. Also in 2008 with the recom-mendation of the consultant staff, aroom was named Dr. Neva ArribasRetinal Clinic, after one of our bene-factors, Dr. Neva Arribas.

Last year, Dr. Crisostomo T.Malabanan, Jr. was selected as TheDr. Carmelita Bostre-Teeter Profes-sorial Chair. After several discus-sions with the consultant staff, it wasdecided that the research should beused for the benefit of the MCUcommunity. The area identified wasthe Grade School Department. Inclinical practice, there were obser-vations that several parents are notaware of their children’s visual prob-lems. So, a 3-phase study will bemade which will consist of:1. Visual screening of kindergartenpupils with refraction, if needed;2. Visual screening of grade 1 and2 pupils in MCU to determine inci-dence of amblyopia; and3. Effects of visual disability to thelearning process.

As part of our service toMCU, there will be a yearlyscreening of incoming kindergar-ten students to attain our objectiveof providing healthy vision to allMCU students.

Dr. Felizardo N. Gatchecobrought honor to the MCU-FDTMFDepartment of Pediatrics and theMCU community as he was electedas president of the Philippine Soci-ety of Pediatric Gastroenterologyand Nutrition (PSPGN) last April2009.

Excellence has always been themark of Dr. Gatcheco, from hismedical years at the University ofSto. Tomas, to his pediatric resi-dency training at the Manila Doc-tors Hospital and his Fellowship inPediatric Gastroenterology and Nu-trition at the University of the Phil-ippines-PGH in 1993.

He pursued further studies inMaster of Science in Clinical Epi-demiology also at UP in 1997. Heis a Fellow of the Philippine Pedi-atric Society and Fellow of the Phil-ippine Society of Pediatric Gastro-

Dr. Gatcheco is PSPGN presidententerology and Nutrition.

Dr. Gatcheco joined MCU in1994 as Associate Professor 2 in theCollege of Medicine and as an Ac-tive Rotating Consultant of the De-partment of Pediatrics. He is also amoving force in research as he headsthe MCU Research DevelopmentOffice. He has been consistent intraining the students, interns andresidents in the practice of pediat-rics, especially in the field of gas-troenterology, nutrition and re-search. Last year, he was awardedby the institution for his fifteen yearsof faithful and committed service.

Aside from MCU, he is also theChair of the Committee on Researchof the Philippine Pediatric Society,Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Cen-ter and Manila Sanitarium and Hos-pital. He is an Active Consultant atMCU, JRRMMC, Manila DoctorsHospital and Mary Johnston Hos-pital. Add to these, he has variousspeaking engagements both locallyand abroad.

Dr. Gatcheco as described bystudents, is strict when it comes towork and responsibilities, but veryapproachable whenever they needhelp in patient management and re-search. It is his passion to pass onthe culture of excellence he haslearned and acquired.

Dr. Felizardo N. Gatcheco


Dr. Quito receives the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal

Dr. Quito with Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez of the Diocese ofCaloocan and other concelebrants


Dr. Lutgarda C. Quito, MCU-FDTMF Executive Vice President,was conferred the Papal Award ProEcclesia et Pontifice during the 5th

Anniversary of the Diocese ofCaloocan and 45th Anniversary ofSts. Peter and John Parish celebra-tion last May 16, 2009 at the OurLady of Victory Chapel in Potrero,Malabon City.

Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice is amedal awarded by the Holy Fatherin recognition of special service tothe Church and Papacy. It originatedin 1888 with Pope Leo XIII.

During the solemn investitureand conferment ceremonies Rev. Fr.Enrique Ma. Aloysius S. Aliño, Par-ish Priest of Our Lady of MountCarmel Parish, read the document.The document reads:

Dr. Quito receives Papal Award

Benedict XVI, Sovereign Pon-tiff, has seen fit to decree and be-stow upon Dame Lutgarda CelestinoQuito the decoration of the SacredCross for the Church and Pope es-pecially established for those per-forming outstanding service. At thesame time authorizing her to wearthis decoration.

Given in the Vatican on the 3rd

day of May 2008Signed: Gabriel Coccia, Assessor

The gift of a Papal distinctionis not an end, but rather an obliga-tion to continued service as a mem-ber of the Papal Family. Pontificalawards are given to both ecclesias-tics and laity as a token of apprecia-tion and recognition for service tothe church.

It is intended to award RomanCatholic faithful who is activelyinvolved in the life of the church,particularly as it is exemplified inthe exercise of their professionalduties and mastership of the dif-ferent arts.

Papal awardees serve as a vis-ible reminder of the Church tem-poral and have the duty to help pre-serve the temporal framework inwhich the Church spiritual canthrive. They are to serve as role

models to their communities andparishes and in this capacity en-courage continued loyalty to theLocal Ordinary and to the HolyFather.

Though the role of thoseholding Papal decorations haschanged over the years, thesemembers of the Papal Family stillhave an important role to play inthe Church and society today –they are the temporal defenders ofthe Faith!

Dr. Lawrence Sembrano (left) and Dr. Aleta Castillo (2nd

from left) passed the Oral & Written DiplomateExamination given by the Philippine Academy of FamilyPhysicians January 2009. With them are Drs. RosarioBonagua and Maryann Leh of the FCM department.

Dr. Claire P. Ong (2nd from left) and Dr. Lawrence Sembrano(3rd from left) were elected as President and Vice Presidentof the Philippine Academy of Family PhysiciansCAMANAVA Chapter last January 21, 2009. They wereinducted by outgoing PAFP president Dr. Soraya Abubakarlast March 20 in Quezon City.


A testimonial luncheon inhonor of the new doctors whopassed the February 2009 MedicalBoard examinations was held lastMarch 11, 2009 at the Ralph HunterSeminar Hall. The new batch ofMCU-FDTMF doctors surpassedthe National Board rate and gar-nered a rating of 67%.

Dr. Divina Y Beato, Dean ofthe College of Medicine expressedjoy and pride at the board rate re-sult. These new doctors were the lastproduct of the batch under the PBLcurriculum.

Dr. Lutgarda C. Quito in herwords of inspiration, advised theyoung doctors to, “Be a person ofintegrity. Carry with you the prideof your Alma Mater. Have a grate-ful attitude.”

“Today, doctors should find theplace where he is needed first be-fore making choice of specialty. Inthe past, doctors choose the spe-cialty first before finding a place topractice,” Dr. Henry Falcotellochairman of alumni batch said. “Butnow, you cannot do that. Find theplace first where you can practiceand then choose the specialtyneeded for the place.”

Med board passers hailed

August 2009 board passers

February 2009 board passers

The testimonial luncheon wasattended by various well-wishersmostly chairs and their mentors.

In a similar testimonial eventlast September 14, the August 2009Physician Licensure Examinationpassers led by King Porciunculawere honored at the Ralph HunterSeminar Hall. by Maria Teresa S.Gonda

ChairChairChairChairChairsssss’’’’’ChrChrChrChrChrisisisisistmastmastmastmastmas

PPPPPararararartytytytytyTanchoco Hall

December 10, 2009


Last March 6, 2009, this writerwas fortunate to have joined hermentors at the Perinatology / Ultra-sound Section, Department of Ob-stetrics and Gynecology at the 10th

Annual Feto-Maternal Conferenceof Indonesia that was held at theKusuma Agrowisata Hotel in BatuCity, Malang in Indonesia.

The team was spearheaded byAsean Federation of Obstetrics andGynecology (AOFOG) SecretaryGeneral Professor Walfrido W.Sumpaico, Vice President ProfessorAnandakumar of Singapore, Dr. Ma.Victoria Valmonte-Torres and Dr.Angelita Reyes-Teotico. They wereinvited to be speakers and modera-tors in the 5-day event.

The convention entitled “Man-agement of Obstetric Emergenciesfrom Biomolecular to Clinical Prac-tice”, was attended by more than 800participants. The first 2 days in-cluded advanced ultrasound work-shop on 3D/4D and Fetal 2Dechocardiography. The next 3 dayscomprised of lecture series in whichour very own faculty members de-livered excellent lectures as com-mended by Prof. Anandakumar ofSingapore and the overwhelmingparticipation by everyone in the dis-cussions.

Professor Sumpaico presentedrecent journals on biomolecular as-pects of preeclampsia, and its patho-physiology, diagnosis up to the man-agement that would be of great helpto the Philippines and Indonesia.Both countries have high morbidi-ties and mortalities attributed tocases of pregnancy-induced hyper-tension. By the introduction of thisbiomolecular level of handlingpreeclampsia , the country is on itsway to realization to decrease if noteliminate the existing problems re-lated to this disease.

Dr. Valmonte-Torres on theother hand, delivered lectures onclinical management of Preeclamp-sia and the role of OB DopplerVelocimetry on the timing of deliv-ery of fetuses affected by utero-pla-cental insufficiency. This modalityhas been used in our institution andhad helped a lot of clinicians in de-cision-making on the said cases. Dr

OB-Gyn at Indonesian confabby Dr Joan M. Javier, Perinatology Fellow Trainee

Torres had just introducedthis tool in ultrasound tomost of the Obstetricians inIndonesia. As not many lec-turers had ventured on thisdifficult topic, Dr. Torres ar-ticulately and spontane-ously made easy the under-standing of the physics ofDoppler velocimetry and itsclinical application to theObstetricians. Other topicsthat Dr Torres gave enlight-enment were the impor-tance of ultrasound duringthe 1st trimester of preg-nancy and the managementdilemma of twin gestation.Numerous participantsshowed their interest byraising their questions andissues that need the clini-cal expertise of Dr. Torreswho given them answersnot only based from herclinical experiences butwith her well-studied re-searches.

Dr. Reyes-Teoticowas the third member of theteam who delivered variouslecture topics from the roleof congenital anomaliesscreening during the 1st tri-mester, biophysical scor-ing, bioeffects and safety ofultrasound to the sonologicdiagnosis and managementof placenta accreta. Her visual aidsshowing videos of moving, real timephotos of 2D, 3D/4D of multiplecongenital anomalies to 3D andglass body ultrasound of the colorstudies of the placenta were indeedvery impressive and informative.The participants were both aston-ished and skeptical as to the conser-vative management of placentaaccreta as presented for this is newand innovative to most Obstetriciansthere. Most of their cases were di-agnosed intra-operatively, managedsurgically and resulted to mortali-ties. They were very enlightened andhopeful that these new modalities inultrasound may help them reducecatastrophic complications, includ-ing significant morbidities and deathof patients, if they were diagnosed

pre-operatively and initially man-aged conservatively.

After the 5-day activity ofworkshops and lectures, we had aside trip to the world-renowed tour-ist spot, Bali Indonesia. Its uniqueculture has endowed in us the spiritof preserving our culture and heri-tage. Bali culture permeates throughevery aspect of their life. The influ-ence of Hinduism, the main religionis evident in the gamesan music,graceful dances - the barong andrangda, legong and the kesacdances, impressive art – wood carv-ings, pottery, weaving crafts andbeautiful silver jewelries and monu-mental structures like their templesand Balinese houses. Bali also con-jures steaming volcanoes like theBatur volcano that we were able to

view from a lake. Bali trip was in-deed culture enriching.

In summary, the 5 day eventwas indeed another blessing fromAbove, not to mention-the all-ex-penses paid trip to Batu City, In-donesia, but first, because of thepeople who had welcome us withsincerest gestures of camaraderieand hospitality, the people ofMalang headed by Dr. Nugrahanti.Secondly, the Indonesian impres-sive culture and heritage that isvery rich that still linger in mymemory. And most of all, the ex-perience of joining my mentors –giving me the opportunity to wit-ness again how our faculty mem-bers has proven their expertise notjust locally but they are also in theinternational scene.

Drs. Joan M. Javier, Ma. Victoria Valmonte-Torres, Walfrido W.Sumpaico, Angelita Reyes-Teotico with Dr. Nugrahanti and otherconvention participants

The MCU-FDTMF group at the gala night


Issue No. 2 Volume No. 4 April – December 2009

EDITOR: Ira Daniel B. ManiquisUNIVERSITY EDITOR: Angelito T. BaloyFDTMF EDITOR: Maria Teresa S. GondaCONSULTANTS: Dr. Divina Y. Beato / Jesselu C. MisaPRODUCTION CONSULTANTS: John Erick M. Samonte / Danilo Tam / Jay V. Adolfo / Julius S. NaldaPHOTOGRAPHERS: Cris L. dela Cruz / Joel Pamatian / Jonathan Filoteo / Leo Vincent Corpuz

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUEDr. Natividad Almazan / Dr. Felizardo Gatcheco / Dr. Niña Angelita Gonzalez / Dr. Joan JavierDr. Crisostomo Malabanan / Dr. Lutgarda Quito / Annaliza Dellima

EDITORIAL BOARDMrs. Luningning T. Estanislao / Dr. Aristotle T. Malabanan / Dr. Lutgarda C. Quito / Dr. Lydia L. Taganguin

Please send your write-ups, comments and suggestionsto the Communication Services Group.

The PULSE is published for the employees, faculty,students, alumni and friends of Manila Central University

and the MCU-FDT Medical Foundation by theCommunication Services Group.

Manila Central University EDSA Caloocan CityTEL. NO.: 364-10-71 up to 77 or 367-20-31 up to 45

E-MAIL: [email protected] or [email protected]: mcu.edu.ph / mcufdtmf.edu.ph

Send your write-ups, comments and suggestions to [email protected] or [email protected]

The MCU-FDTMF Unit Heads Organization (UHO) lent Christmascheers and distributed gifts to admitted patients as part of their season’scelebration last December 16 that culminated at the Ralph Hunter SeminarHall.

A feature of the celebration was the party theme “UHO goes SantaFever” wherein everyone dressed up or had a touch of Santa Claus in his orher attire.

The event was highlighted by the induction of the new set of UHOofficers for 2010-2012. These officials are as follows:

Chairperson Mrs. Maria Teresa S.GondaVice Chairman Engineer Eusebio NaniongSecretary Mrs. Melanie BelinoAsst. Secretary Mrs. Ellen QueanoTreasurer Mrs. Josefina MateoAsst. Treasurer Mrs. Joie MercaderAuditor Mrs. Amadelyn Dela CruzPRO Mr. Cristeto Dela Cruz

Dr. Lutgarda C. Quito graced the occasion and distributed specialprizes for everyone.

UHO gives cheers topatients

The Philippine Scientific Jour-nal (PSJ) was first published by theManila Central University –Filemon D. Tanchoco MedicalFoundation (MCU-FDTMF) in1955.

The oldest copy we can find inthe MCU library however is a 1962issue. Dr. Jaime M. Aquino wasthe editor-in-chief then until 1984.After him, the other editors-in-chiefwere Walfrido M. Sumpaico (1985-1989), Ponciano M Bernardo (1990-1993), Esperanza F. Rivera (1993-1997), Raquel M. So-Sayo (1998-1999), Regta L. Pichay (2000-2007), and this writer in 2008 up tothe present.

The PSJ is published bi-annually or annually. It is distrib-uted to the different local hospi-tal library institutions and sub-scribed to by the medical alumniin the USA.

The PSJ is now on its 55th yearof publication and has maintainedits existence with quality articlescontributed by MCU medical con-sultants, residents and students. TheEditorial Board has created a Com-mittee on Peer Review to check onthe articles before they are pub-lished.

The winning papers of thethree to four Research Contests ofthe Research Development Office

The Philippine Scientific Journalnow on its 55th year

by Natividad A. Almazan, M.D., MSc Clin EpiEditor-in-Chief, Philippine Scientific Journal (2008 to present)

headed by Dr. Felizardo N.Gatcheco held every year in the in-stitution are included in the journal.These contests are: The RPT CaseReport Contest, SI Research PaperContest, RPT Research Paper Con-test and Faculty Research PaperReading and the Medical StudentsResearch Paper Contest. The con-sultants play a big role in supervis-ing the students and the residents intheir research papers.

What is new for the next is-sues? For 2009, all abstracts ofthe research papers submitted tothe Research Committee will bepublished to show the work doneby our students and residents. A“How I do it” segment will alsobe featured to show the medicaland surgical innovations of thestaff. All full papers to be includedhave to follow a requirement ofwriting set by the PSJ and will gothru the peer reviewers.

The PSJ stands on its mis-sion to publish quality researchpapers of the medical staff of theMCU-FDTMF on its 55th yearonwards.

For inquiries or suggestions, youmay call telephone number 367-20-31 local 1226 or visit or write us at:

The Philippine Scientific JournalResearch Development Office,

MCU-FDTMFEDSA, Caloocan CityUHO December gathering

Documents

Vol. IV No. 2 The Official Publication of MCU and MCU ... · Vol. IV No. 2 The Official Publication of MCU and MCU-FDTMF April – December 2009 Employees lauded continued p. 11